Expo a hit with Waikato women

Even a few males dutifully trailed behind wives

MACKENZIE MCCARTY

Last updated 05:00 21/05/2012

BRUCE MERCER/Fairfax NZ

GIRLY FUN: Twins Krystal, right, and Belinda Jansen had a great time shopping at the various expo stalls.

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Chocolate bouquets, wine jelly and the chance to win a new car were among the many attractions drawing women from all walks of life to the Women's Lifestyle Expo at Claudelands Event Centre at the weekend.

Organiser Rob Woodhouse said about 10,000 visitors passed through the doors, although official numbers won't be available until Wednesday.

Among the rows of fudge makers, beauty professionals and lingerie displays were women, many with a child in tow, carrying stuffed goody bags, cups of coffee and free make-up samples.

Even a few males dutifully trailed behind wives and female relatives.

One, who didn't want to be named for fear of being teased by his mates, admitted to attending to "support" his wife.

"I'm just making sure she doesn't spend too much," he said with a nervous grin.

Twin sisters Krystal and Belinda Jansen were both first-time visitors to the expo, which has been running for nearly 15 years.

"We got two special lint rollers for $50, and a $5 lucky dip at a lingerie stall," Krystal said while eyeing up a nearby fashion booth.

However, shopping was not the only drawcard at the the event.

Tracie McBeth, who underwent head surgery recently, was pleased to find a health specialist at the expo who could show her the cause of some discomfort she's had in her ear since the operation.

"They showed me on their screen that my ear is full of dried blood, and I've got an appointment with them to go fix it. It was worth coming just for that."

Vendors and stall holders travelled from far and wide in the hope of cashing in on an attentive female audience.

Jayne Lapin, manager of a boutique soap company, said the event was unique in that it was aimed directly at her company's primarily female clientele. "It's our first time at the expo and we came all the way up from Wellington. But it will be worth it," she said.

Hamilton's version of the Women's Lifestyle Expo is the country's second largest.